By Melissa Voss
For many, the musical magic of Disney has played on for generations – presenting stories of courage, adventure, and finding one’s voice. The Denver Gay Men’s Chorus (DGMC) is putting their own magic into classic Disney songs with the upcoming “Disney PRIDE in Concert.”
“Disney PRIDE in Concert”
7:30 p.m. March 31
3 p.m. April 1
Ellie Caulkins Opera House
The DGMC is one of the top gay men’s choruses in the United States, consisting of numerous individuals of various gender identities within the group, which pursues the mission of “building community through music.” James Knapp, artistic and managing director of the DGMC, has led the chorus for 10 seasons and is in his last year before retirement. Knapp views the DGMC not only as musicians but individuals who strive to bring across a greater message within the choral community. “Behind our mission, we are art activists and social justice singers for action and change,” he says.
After putting in-person rehearsals on hiatus for 18 months because of COVID-19, the Denver Chorus had to get creative to preserve the enthusiasm by holding virtual practices and concerts. Coming into this year's choral season, the group is ready to bring Disney magic to Denver audiences.
Attendees will hear multiple Disney songs, which is quite unheard of in the choral scene. However, DGMC’s inclusion in the GALA Choruses organization made it possible. GALA Choruses is a 40-year-old LGBTQ organization that supports over 200 choruses and over 1,500 singers in North America. GALA Choruses has been trying to work with Disney for years to curate a full concert of Disney music. According to Knapp, traditionally, most choirs got permission to do one song or one arrangement of a Disney song, but never before was a full Disney catalog made available.
But through the generosity of Disney, DGMC, as well as numerous other gay men’s choruses around the country, can perform music from the Disney catalog. From classic films such as “The Lion King” and “Toy Story” to newer films such as “Coco” and “Wreck-It Ralph,” the music will come to life through choral performances. “You can imagine this is a dream come true for me and many of the GALA conductors,” Knapps says. To immerse the audience in the full Disney magic, the DGMC’s 250 voices will be accompanied by a 25-piece orchestra, with animations provided by Disney.
What makes this particular performance special is the ability of the chorus members to add their personal narratives to the performance.
Comparisons can be made between the performers and various Disney characters who have fought to fit in and find their paths in life. “The whole premise of this is to reimagine Disney songs within the context of musical celebration of LGBTQ life, love, chosen family, courage, and perseverance because the movies, parks, musicals on Broadway, and national tours have long resonated with the LGBTQ community,” Knapps says. “They are something that speaks to multiple generations of LGBT individuals.”
Knapp hopes that once the audience leaves the performance, there is a greater understanding that regardless of human differences, there is a unifying element that the love for Disney brings. “These connections between the music and our performers’ experiences and narratives present a greater understanding of the LGBTQ community,” Knapp says, “It shows that differences with our sexual identity or our sexual orientation should be a non-issue.”
The Rocky Mountain Arts Association, including the DGMC and the Denver Women’s Chorus, has several other concerts coming up in 2023. For full details or to purchase tickets, click here.
Holding Out For A Hero with Off Kilter!
May 5, 2023 - TBD
May 6, 2023 — Englewood Arts Center, Englewood
Denver Women's Chorus presents: “Earth Songs”
May 13, 2023 — TBD
May 19-20, 2023 — King Center, Denver
Denver Gay Men's Chorus presents: “Divas: Icons and Justice Warriors”
June 3, 2023 — Arvada Center
June 9, 10, 2023 — King Center, Denver